Channel News Asia once described my story as a "multi-episode biopic", having "cliffhangers at each turn". And honestly, it’s hard to disagree.

I’m an average Singaporean millennial who grew up believing there was a right way to build a good life: study hard, get good grades, find a stable job, settle down, and start a family.

I followed that path, until my life fell apart.

At 38, I was unexpectedly diagnosed with breast cancer, despite having no family history of it. I moved between Singapore and Thailand for treatment while trying to keep my job. Two surgeries and weeks of radiotherapy later, I decided to leave a long marriage that had become deeply unhappy. New friends I made persuaded me into things I've never considered before, including alcohol, casual sex, and online dating. I kept my distance from them after losing S$700,000 to a romance scam.

I returned to Singapore permanently, secured a contract job in Big Tech, and met my husband Chris. All seemed well until I found myself overwhelmed by everyday environments. For instance, I was having lunch at a regular spot, but burst into tears for no reason. I had to run to the washroom to cry and wash my face. There was another time where I was very angry at what someone said, but I suddenly couldn't speak out loud to defend myself. With no explanation for myself, I became more reclusive and hid at home most days.

That's when I decided to seek professional help. I learned that I am actually autistic, with low support needs. I was later put on SSRI medication for dysthymia, a persistent depressive disorder, to help restore chemical balances in my brain. Although I was equipped with formal clinical diagnoses, I had doubts in revealing my conditions. When I found it more and more unbearable to leave the safety of our apartment, I told myself, worse come to worse, I can always quit.

Thankfully the supportive work culture allowed me to explore what works best for me. Ever since my employer decided on a mental wellbeing journey in 2023, I've play a key role in creating a healthier working environment and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health. I started to openly advocate for mental wellbeing at work, and posted about my conditions on LinkedIn. I reviewed the mental health resources and training the organization has been providing to help employees manage everyday stress and challenges.

In 2025, my employer won the Best Mental Wellbeing Strategy in the Workplace category at the This Can Happen Awards. In that same year, I was recognized as a Beyond The Label ambassador. BTL is a nationwide movement, initiated by National Council of Social Service and co-led by TOUCH Community Services, to address the stigma against mental health conditions and promote social inclusion for persons living with mental health conditions.

Fast forward a few months to March 2026, I went for my annual mammogram appointment. I was puzzled by the doctors making me go through multiple ultrasounds, mammograms, and biopsies. It was the 6th year since my initial diagnosis, so I thought I was safely in remission. When my oncologist confirmed my breast cancer has returned in the same breast, I decided to undergo a double mastectomy that May. I couldn't bear looking down at the surviving breast, reminded of the physical damage.

A month later, I returned to work after the hospitalization leave ended in early June. I was still recovering from surgery when I was notified that my position was made redundant. I already knew there was global restructuring following company acquisition, but I didn't expect it to impact my role as soon after my health situation.

While I could be embroiled in bitterness, these experiences changed the way I think about work, money, relationships, and life at large. I don't believe we have to choose between ambition and wellbeing.

I'm not sure when I'll return to the corporate workforce. These days, I write about building careers we can sustain and lives we won't look back on with regret. My writing draws from 20+ years of professional experience, as well as learning from personal setbacks.

I write for anyone who wants to do meaningful work without sacrificing their wellbeing. For people who want to keep growing without constantly running on empty. For those who believes there should be more to life than simply getting through the next deadline. And for anyone wondering if there might be a better way to build a life.

I believe there is.

From left to right: 1. Relocated back to Singapore in 2021, 2. Beyond The Label Fest at Plaza Singapura in September 2025, 3. The morning after the double mastectomy surgery in May 2026